'Farewell to Folly' by Robert Greene


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1Sweet are the thoughts that savour of content;
2The quiet mind is richer than a crown;
3Sweet are the nights in careless slumber spent;
4The poor estate scorns fortune's angry frown:
5Such sweet content, such minds, such sleep, such bliss,
6Beggars enjoy, when princes oft do miss.

7The homely house that harbours quiet rest;
8The cottage that affords no pride nor care;
9The mean that 'grees with country music best;
10The sweet consort of mirth and music's fare;
11Obscured life sets down a type of bliss:
12A mind content both crown and kingdom is.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Ode to Folly: A Critical Analysis of Robert Greene's "Farewell to Folly"

Robert Greene's "Farewell to Folly" is a poignant ode to the transient nature of human folly. Written in the form of a poem, the piece explores the various ways in which human beings engage in foolishness, from chasing after wealth and power to indulging in vices such as drinking and gambling.

At first glance, "Farewell to Folly" may seem like a simple moralistic piece, warning readers against the dangers of indulging in vice. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals itself to be a complex and multi-layered work that explores the complexities of human nature and the role of folly in our lives.

The Structure of the Poem

One of the most striking things about "Farewell to Folly" is its structure. The poem is divided into twelve stanzas, each of which contains four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The simplicity and regularity of the structure give the poem a musical quality, almost like a song.

The poem also contains a refrain that is repeated at the end of each stanza: "Farewell, farewell, sweet Folly, / Thy joys are but in jest; / But all the griefs that Melancholy / Can cause, do still infest."

The repetition of the refrain creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the central theme of the poem—that folly, while pleasurable in the moment, ultimately leads to sadness and regret.

The Role of Folly in Human Life

The poem begins by describing the many ways in which human beings engage in folly. We are told that some people chase after wealth and power, while others indulge in "drinking, gaming, lust, or pride." However, no matter what form our folly takes, the end result is always the same—we are left with "griefs that Melancholy / Can cause."

However, the poem is not simply a warning against indulging in vice. Rather, it is a celebration of the role that folly plays in our lives. The speaker acknowledges that while folly may lead to sadness and regret, it also brings us joy and pleasure in the moment.

In fact, the speaker seems to suggest that a life without folly would be dull and unfulfilling. We are told that "the wise man's only wealth / Is all but silly jest." In other words, the things that bring us the most joy in life are often the things that others consider foolish.

The Paradox of Folly

One of the most fascinating aspects of "Farewell to Folly" is the way in which it explores the paradoxical nature of folly. On the one hand, folly brings us joy and pleasure. On the other hand, it leads to sadness and regret.

The speaker seems to suggest that this paradox is an inherent part of human nature. We are drawn to folly because it brings us pleasure, but we are also aware that it will ultimately lead to sadness and regret. This knowledge, however, does not stop us from indulging in folly.

In fact, the speaker seems to suggest that our knowledge of the consequences of folly only makes it more pleasurable. We are told that "the wise man's folly is / The fountain of his joy." The very fact that we know that our actions will lead to regret only makes them more pleasurable in the moment.

The Role of Melancholy

Throughout the poem, the speaker contrasts the joys of folly with the sadness and regret that are the inevitable result. This contrast is embodied in the figure of Melancholy, who is described as the source of all our griefs.

However, the poem does not simply condemn Melancholy as a negative force in our lives. Rather, the speaker suggests that Melancholy is an essential part of the human experience. Without sadness and regret, we would be unable to appreciate the joys of folly.

In fact, the speaker seems to suggest that Melancholy is necessary in order for us to truly appreciate the pleasures of life. We are told that "Melancholy is the ground / Of joy and true delight." In other words, it is only by experiencing sadness and regret that we can truly appreciate the joy that folly brings.

Conclusion

Robert Greene's "Farewell to Folly" is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the role of folly in human life. While the poem acknowledges the negative consequences of indulging in vice, it also celebrates the joy and pleasure that folly brings.

The poem's structure, with its simple and musical rhyme scheme and repeated refrain, reinforces its central theme—that folly, while pleasurable in the moment, ultimately leads to sadness and regret. However, the poem also suggests that this paradoxical nature of folly is an essential part of the human experience, and that without sadness and regret, we would be unable to appreciate the joys of life.

Overall, "Farewell to Folly" is a thought-provoking and insightful work that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of the complexities of human nature and the role of folly in our lives make it a timeless classic.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Farewell to Folly: A Masterpiece of Elizabethan Poetry

Robert Greene, a prominent Elizabethan poet and playwright, wrote the classic poem "Farewell to Folly" in the late 16th century. The poem is a satirical critique of the society of the time, and it is considered one of the finest examples of Elizabethan poetry. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

Themes

The poem is a reflection of the Elizabethan society, which was characterized by a love of pleasure, extravagance, and excess. The poem's central theme is the folly of this lifestyle, which Greene portrays as a destructive force that leads to ruin and despair. The poem is a warning against the dangers of indulgence and a call to embrace a more virtuous way of life.

The poem also explores the theme of love, which is presented as a source of both joy and pain. Greene portrays love as a powerful force that can bring happiness and fulfillment, but also as a source of suffering and heartbreak. The poem's speaker laments the pain of unrequited love and the fickleness of romantic relationships.

Structure

The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza introduces the theme of folly and the speaker's desire to leave it behind. The second stanza explores the theme of love and the speaker's experiences with it. The third stanza concludes the poem with a call to embrace a more virtuous way of life.

Literary Devices

The poem is rich in literary devices, which add depth and complexity to the text. One of the most prominent devices is imagery, which is used to create vivid and evocative descriptions. For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes the pleasures of folly as "a painted sepulcher, a gilded tomb." This image suggests that the pleasures of folly are superficial and ultimately empty.

Another important device is metaphor, which is used to compare two things that are not literally alike. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker compares love to a "fickle glass," suggesting that it is fragile and easily broken. The use of metaphor adds depth and nuance to the poem, allowing the reader to see the themes in a new light.

The poem also makes use of alliteration, which is the repetition of consonant sounds. For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes folly as "a painted sepulcher, a gilded tomb." The repetition of the "p" and "g" sounds creates a musical effect, adding to the poem's overall beauty.

Analysis

The poem opens with the speaker bidding farewell to folly, which he describes as a "painted sepulcher, a gilded tomb." This image suggests that the pleasures of folly are superficial and ultimately empty. The speaker goes on to describe the dangers of indulgence, warning that it leads to ruin and despair. He urges the reader to leave behind the pleasures of folly and embrace a more virtuous way of life.

In the second stanza, the speaker turns his attention to the theme of love. He describes love as a "fickle glass," suggesting that it is fragile and easily broken. He laments the pain of unrequited love and the fickleness of romantic relationships. The speaker's experiences with love have left him disillusioned and skeptical of its power.

The third stanza concludes the poem with a call to embrace a more virtuous way of life. The speaker urges the reader to seek out true happiness and fulfillment, rather than the fleeting pleasures of folly. He suggests that a life of virtue and wisdom is the key to lasting happiness.

Conclusion

"Farewell to Folly" is a masterpiece of Elizabethan poetry, rich in themes, structure, and literary devices. The poem is a satirical critique of the society of the time, warning against the dangers of indulgence and calling for a more virtuous way of life. The poem's exploration of the themes of folly and love is both poignant and insightful, and its use of imagery, metaphor, and alliteration adds depth and nuance to the text. Overall, "Farewell to Folly" is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

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